NACOC, Ghana Navy Reinforce Alliance to Combat Drug Trafficking
The Narcotics Control Commission [NACOC] and the Ghana Navy have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration to strengthen the fight against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse in the country.
The pledge was made during a courtesy call by the Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, on the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing, at the Naval Headquarters on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
The meeting focused on enhancing inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, operational support and capacity building to address the evolving drug threat.
Major General Mantey expressed appreciation to the Ghana Navy for its support over the years, particularly in joint operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks.
“The drug trade has become increasingly dynamic, with traffickers exploiting both land and maritime routes. The Ghana Navy possesses the operational capacity and expertise required to secure our territorial waters, making your partnership invaluable in our collective efforts,” he stated.
The NACOC boss noted that one of his key priorities is to build the Commission into a highly professional institution comparable to the Ghana Armed Forces through continuous training, discipline and operational excellence.
He also raised concerns over the growing impact of substance abuse on Ghana’s youth, describing it as one of the country’s most pressing social challenges.
“The greatest tragedy of the illicit drug trade is that it targets our young people. The cost of treating substance use disorders is enormous, and many families cannot afford rehabilitation. Yet, government rehabilitation facilities remain limited,” he said.
Major General Mantey appealed for continued Navy support in training NACOC personnel, especially in maritime operations. He added that NACOC is also advocating for expanded drug testing across public and private institutions as a preventive measure to discourage drug use among young people.
Receiving the delegation, Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing reiterated the Navy’s commitment to supporting NACOC in tackling drug trafficking and abuse.
He expressed concern over emerging trends, including the lacing of cannabis with edible products, which he described as a national security concern requiring urgent and coordinated action.
“Successful interdiction depends heavily on timely intelligence. We must strengthen intelligence gathering and collaboration if we are to effectively intercept illicit drug trafficking,” he stated.
The Naval Chief disclosed that the Ghana Navy will acquire two new ships and additional command vehicles to enhance maritime surveillance. The vessels, including the Navy’s flagship, will be strategically deployed to strengthen maritime security and counter illicit activities along Ghana’s coastline.
Rear Admiral Bessing called for greater collaboration among state institutions, urging stakeholders to pool resources to safeguard the country.
“Let us put the little resources we have together to achieve our shared objective of protecting our country and safeguarding the future of our young people,” he said.
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